Monday, February 22, 2010

Baked Manicotti!

We love manicotti but I have to admit that making it gets a little frustrating for me.

You know how you cook the pasta and then have to put the filling in, but sometimes you overcook the pasta and it rips and then you can't get the filling in there? Well yeah, it's a little irritating LOL

I went online in search of an alternative and low and behold.....Wonton Wrappers! Duh!

The recipe I used is one I've had for years and it's from America's Test Kitchen. It's the one I always use when making this dish, but I do add maple sausage or italian sausage sometimes to change it up a bit.

Heat oil, garlic, and pepper flakes (if using) in large saucepan over medium heat until fragrant but not brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, basil and 1/2 teaspoon salt and simmer until thickened slightly, about 15 minutes.

Roll into tube shape and arrange in baking dish seam side down. (You should be able to fit 8 manicotti in one row and 2 along the edge).

Top evenly with remaining sauce, making certain that pasta is completely covered.

Cover manicotti with aluminum foil. Bake until bubbling, about 40 minutes, then remove foil. Sprinkle manicotti evenly with remaining 1 cup Parmesan. Bake until cheese is browned and bubbly, about 6-7 minutes. Remove from oven and let sit for 15 minutes before serving.

The manicotti can be prepared right up until the baking step then covered with a sheet of parchment paper, wrapped in aluminum foil, and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month. (If frozen, thaw the manicotti in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days.) To bake, remove the parchment, replace the aluminum foil, and increase baking time to 1 to 1 1/4 hours.

About Me

BLOGGER, MOM, WIFE, HOMEMAKER

I'm a stay at home mom to a beautiful daughter and a handsome son. A once Air Force Wife now living the quiet life, with her retired Sergeant.
I am Portuguese, and spent most of my childhood in South Africa.
I love God, England, crocheting, cooking, period dramas, sewing, reading canning, old pioneer times, photography and thrift store shopping.
I live a simple but good life with my beautiful family.